The letter mentions the following recommendations:
• CMS should allow multiple payment models within the ACO model from the start, such as shared savings, bundled payments, capitation or a combination of these.
• Existing legal exceptions regarding one provider entity funding the infrastructure costs of another need to be broadened, particularly for small physician practices.
• CMS should allow ACOs to participate in the medical home demonstration programs.
• The program should be transparent to beneficiaries.
• CMS should develop criteria focused on the outcomes of care rather than processes used to achieve it.
• CMS should structure ACO quality reporting requirements to satisfy the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program, the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative and meaningful use programs.
Premier serves more than 2,400 hospitals and health systems. The letter was issued as a response to CMS’ request for comments regarding aspects and policies of ACOs.
Read other proposed recommendations for ACOs:
–AMGA Offers Feedback to NCQA’s 2011 ACO Criteria
–Federation of American Hospitals Objects to NCQA Draft Criteria for ACOs
–Premier Healthcare Alliance Offers Feedback to 2011 ACO Criteria
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